PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) decisions — 2011

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining additional evidence and affording the Appellant a VA psychiatric examination to determine if his current psychiatric disorder is related to his experience in the Florida Army National Guard during qualifying active duty for training.

The Board found that the Veteran's claimed psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD and depression, were not incurred in service or due to an incident therein. The claim was reopened based on new evidence but denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation prior to April 12, 2006. His TDIU claim is granted for this period.

The Board has remanded the case due to inadequate consideration of the Veteran's lay statements regarding his PTSD symptoms, particularly his suicidal ideations. The Veteran is seeking an increased evaluation for his PTSD.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including adjudicating the issue of service connection for psychiatric disability other than PTSD. The initial rating claim for PTSD remains on hold.

The Veteran's PTSD was found to have been incurred in service, and the other claims for service connection were granted.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for various psychiatric disabilities, including PTSD, is being remanded due to the need for further development and examination.

The Board found that the June 2000 rating decision denying SMC based on need for regular A&A did not involve CUE, and thus no earlier effective date is assignable.

The Veteran's sleep apnea was not service-connected, but his PTSD and depression were granted a 30% rating. The low back strain and headaches received increased ratings, with the headaches receiving a 50% rating after October 23, 2008. A total rating based on individual unemployability was granted prior to September 8, 2008.

The Veteran's tinnitus and PTSD were found to be related to his service, with the Board finding that there was at least an approximate balance of positive and negative evidence regarding whether his current tinnitus is the result of acoustic trauma in service. The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and residuals of malaria was not addressed due to pending issues.

The Board has remanded the case due to missing VA treatment records for bilateral hearing loss and a need to issue a statement of the case regarding the request to reopen a claim for service connection for PTSD.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for bilateral hearing loss disability was denied as he does not have a current disability. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, left knee disability, right knee disability, left shoulder disability, and low back disability are all considered under the direct theory of service connection.

The Board has remanded the case for further development and adjudication due to insufficient information regarding service connection for posttraumatic stress disorder for accrued benefits, as well as additional development needed for the claim of service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.

The Board has granted service connection for PTSD, finding that new and material evidence has been submitted to reopen the claim. The Veteran's PTSD is linked to in-service stressors experienced during his Vietnam service.

The Board found that the appellant's character of discharge was under dishonorable conditions due to willful and persistent misconduct, which bars him from VA benefits. The appeal is denied.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded to determine the appropriate disability evaluation for his PTSD and whether he meets the criteria for TDIU benefits.

The Veteran's claim of service connection for PTSD is remanded due to the need to verify a stressor and obtain additional medical opinions.

The Veteran's claim for increased ratings for PTSD was denied. The Board found that the evidence did not meet the criteria for an initial rating in excess of 30 percent prior to October 14, 2008 and in excess of 50 percent from October 14, 2008.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including obtaining SSA records and VA psychiatric treatment records. A supplemental VA examination is also required to address direct service connection and secondary service connection on the basis of aggravation.